Ajit Govind

Biography

Ajit is a Senior Research Scientist working at the French National Agricultural Research Institute. His research interests are geared towards better understanding the terrestrial biogeochemical processes (especially the C Water and N cycles) using the tandem use of remotely sensed data, ground-based biophysical observations and modeling approaches. Before INRA, he worked in the Canadian Carbon Program, the US-AmeriFlux network and in India.

Abstract

The manner in which mass and energy are cycled across the soil-plant-atmospheric continuum in different terrestrial ecosystems is a complex issue. This can be attributed to the large spatial n/r temporal variability in vegetation, biophysical, edaphic, geomorphological and hydroclimatic characteristics of a landscape. Disturbances and man-induced management factors render additional controls. In natural settings, hydrological and ecological processes operate with strong interactions, which are often difficult to comprehend using traditional hydrological approaches. An ecohydrological approach is hence postulated. In order to better understand the nature of water, carbon and energy cycles in diverse terrestrial ecosystems, a multi-scale process-based modeling approach that utilize remotely sensed information and measurements is indispensable. In this spirit, I present two case studies of deciphering ecohydrological complexity using the above-mentioned approach in distinct settings: [1] a pristine boreal forest landscape in Eastern Canada and, [2] a managed forest-crop landscape in SW France. I will highlight the use of various remote sensing data into a process-based modeling framework and its ability to simulate ecohydrological processes in diverse ecosystems. Initial part of the presentation will focus on the theoretical aspects of this model. Further, ecosystem-specific processes will be discussed based on model simulations and observations. I will discuss about the unique ways in which the water cycle is affected by vegetation, climate and geomorphology. Results of some numerical experiments also will be shown. I conclude my presentation by raising some global scale ecohydrological problems and highlight the use of different remote sensing data to understand global ecohydrology.